Electrical Gremlins
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 43
Likes: 0
From: Yorktown VA
Electrical Gremlins
I have an 84 Vette that was sitting for about 8 months - I redid the interior and painted the car and everything looks fine and it runs very good.
However, when I drove it at night the other day the headlights, dash and all other lights that I could see were pulsating (bright/dim). Another thing was the radio cut off when I pressed down on the gas peddle and then comes back on as you let off the gas. Also when I first drove the car it cut off going down the road. I pulled to the side and raised the hood and all looked right with the world so I dropped the hood and it started back up without a problem. I believe that is another indication of a problem somewhere in the system.
Could it be the voltage regulator inside the alternator or a short somewhere in the system - I'm at a loss in trying to figure this out and need some expert help.
thanks
t2
However, when I drove it at night the other day the headlights, dash and all other lights that I could see were pulsating (bright/dim). Another thing was the radio cut off when I pressed down on the gas peddle and then comes back on as you let off the gas. Also when I first drove the car it cut off going down the road. I pulled to the side and raised the hood and all looked right with the world so I dropped the hood and it started back up without a problem. I believe that is another indication of a problem somewhere in the system.
Could it be the voltage regulator inside the alternator or a short somewhere in the system - I'm at a loss in trying to figure this out and need some expert help.
thanks
t2
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 54,124
Likes: 30
From: Cincinnati, Oh USA
Pulsing lights are likely to be an oscillating voltage regulator in the alternator. While idling and lights flickering, unplug the alternator and if the flickering stops, its the alternator. Your radio quits when you hit the accelerator because the ground for the radio goes to the rear of the bell housing and the engine torquing disconnects this ground. Check out the ground for looseness or corrosion.
